Police in New Jersey have reported that the New York Jets player Chris Herndon was taken into custody during the early morning hours of June 2 on drunk driving charges after his Nissan Armada SUV struck a Toyota FJ-40 sport wagon on Interstate 80 injuring its 76-year-old driver. The rookie tight end’s brush with the law is the latest in a series of incidents involving Jets players that have embarrassed the team.
According to a New Jersey State Police report, Herndon’s Nissan struck the Toyota at approximately 4:45 a.m. in Rockaway. Troopers say that the Toyota, which was towing a vintage car was damaged beyond repair in the crash. Herndon was placed in custody after a breath test allegedly revealed his blood alcohol concentration to be higher than the .08 percent New Jersey legal limit.
The latest legal entanglement involving Jets players has raised questions about the team’s disciplinary and substance abuse policies. Herndon has much to lose and his drunk driving case will likely be followed closely by league officials. The 22-year-old signed a contract worth more than $3 million featuring a $711,000 signing bonus after being drafted by the Jets.
The victims of DUI car accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries, and the reckless individuals responsible are rarely professional athletes with the means to make adequate restitution. When negligent motorists are either destitute, deceased or face long periods of incarceration, experienced personal injury attorneys may seek compensation for their victims by initiating lawsuits against their auto insurance companies.
Source: 247 Sports, J”ets rookie Chris Herndon charged with DWI in traffic crash”, Stephen Taranto, June 5, 2018